Australia’s fastest sprinters return to Flemington for Black Caviar Lightning

The $1 million Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning (1000m) is set to be a clash of the sprinting titans, with an all-star field set to light up the famous Flemington straight.

Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes winner Switzerland is aiming to complete a Coolmore-Lightning double for legendary trainer Chris Waller but will face tough competition from Godolphin’s rising star Traffic Warden and promising three-year-old Growing Empire, trained by Ciaron Maher.

World champion jockey James McDonald returns to Flemington for the first time since his record-breaking Melbourne Cup Carnival with a strong book of rides, headlined by Switzerland in the feature.

Other highlights on the card include the Group 3 CS Hayes Stakes (1400m) for colts and geldings and the Listed Desirable Stakes (1400m) for fillies. The Listed Elms Handicap (1400m) is the second opportunity for horses to win their way into the Group 1 $2.5 million The All-Star Mile (1600m) after Another Wil secured his spot last week.

The race day also marks the first chance for racegoers to go into the running to become an Owner Ambassador in The All-Star Mile and win a share in $200,000. People aged 18 years and over who attend the race day will go in the running, with five Owner Ambassadors to be announced on the race day. More information on the competition can be found on the VRC website.

Black Caviar Lightning Race Day is named in honour of the legendary mare whose remarkable career comprised 25 undefeated races, including 15 Group 1s. 

Racegoers will have the opportunity to pay homage to her extraordinary legacy with special tributes set up on course. This will include a photographic display on the Front Lawn as well as limited edition memorabilia, awards, trophies and video displays throughout VRC members areas.  

The Flemington Family Lawn will also feature plenty of Black Caviar themed activities for kids to enjoy including pony rides, face painting, sprint races and arts and crafts where racegoers can colour in their own Black Caviar jockey silks to take home. 

Free entry has been extended to those under 17 to continue to create an affordable race day experience. Flemington’s $5 Favourites will be on the menu, with hot chips, potato cakes, dim sims, jam donuts, hot dogs, beef pies, sausage rolls and bottled water just $5 available at a range of retail outlets across Flemington.

VRC Chief Executive Officer Kylie Rogers said the club was looking forward to the return of Group 1 racing to Flemington.

“The Black Caviar Lightning is shaping up to be one of the races of the season, with some of Australia's most talented sprinters taking to the track in what’s set to be a fantastic start to Group 1 racing at Flemington across February and March,” Miss Rogers said.

“Whether you are a family looking to enjoy a day out on the Flemington Family Lawn, a group of friends wanting to catch up and enjoy Flemington’s $5 Favourites or a VRC member enjoying world-class racing and hospitality, the race day will have something for everyone.

“The VRC is also pleased to give racegoers the opportunity to pay homage to Black Caviar, with several tributes set up across the course honoring her exceptional career and incredible history at Flemington.”

Former Black Caviar Lightning winner Lankan Rupee will join Living Legend stablemate Johnny Get Angry on-track, with racegoers able to visit the legends in the race day stalls or see them parade in the Mounting Yard between races.

General Admission tickets start at $30 per person with entry for people under 17 free.

Black Caviar Lightning Day sets the scene for an incredible autumn racing program at Flemington in March, with Howden Australian Guineas Day on Saturday 1 March, Super Saturday on Saturday 8 March and TAB Australian Cup Day on Saturday 29 March.

Gates open at 11:30am ahead of the ten-race program starting at 12:15pm and concluding at 5:35pm. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit vrc.com.au.